Human Osteopontin (OPN) is a negatively charged hydrophilic protein of 314 amino acids and is subject to significant post translational modifications. OPN is cleaved by members of the matrix metalloproteinase family (MMP) which results in the generation of N-terminal and C-terminal OPN fragments. The matricellular protein osteopontin binds to cell surface receptors and is secreted into many body fluids including milk, blood and urine, depending on the organ of origin. This makes osteopontin an ideal candidate for being a biomarker as the secreted form is easily obtained in throwaway fluids, and mimics the cellular environment from which it is released. Osteopontin is important in immune responses and inflammation as well as bone generation and remodeling. In autistic children, serum levels of osteopontin are correlated to the severity of disease, probably due to a brain inflammation pattern in these children. In aortic valve sclerosis and stenosis, increased levels of secreted osteopontin are also noted. Osteopontin has also been s
